Mains Upgrade Program

The Multinet Gas Mains Replacement Program is aimed at replacing low pressure (LP) gas distribution mains in our gas network. The low pressure network is predominantly cast iron mains that have been in operation since the 1880s. These older mains are subject to water ingress during wet weather and as such, are the common cause of supply reliability issues.

This program replaces the low pressure mains with high pressure (HP) polyethylene mains to not only significantly improve the reliability of the network, but also increase the capacity of the network to account for growth in consumer demand. The mains will be replaced by inserting the new high pressure polyethylene main into the existing low pressure main. This method reduces the number and size of excavations required in the street and ensures disruptions to the resident are kept to a minimum. Where this is not possible, the mains will be installed via open cut methods which involves excavating a trench in which to lay the new pipe. All excavations will be reinstated to as near as the original condition as possible.

As part of the process, the gas service (pipe running from the main in the street to your gas meter) will also need to be replaced. In most cases this will be via insertion to minimise damage to your property. We will need to excavate a hole near your gas meter to connect the new pipe to the gas meter. All excavations will be reinstated to as near as the original condition as possible. There may be occasions where a gas meter may need to be moved to a new location on your property due to its current position not complying with HP regulations.

If this affects your property, our Service Provider will be in touch to discuss a new position. The works occur progressively along the street with approximately 6-10 houses experiencing supply interruptions for up to 8 hours each day whilst the new pipes are installed. You will be notified, via letterbox drop, a minimum of 10 days prior to the outage and again 24-48 hours prior to the supply interruption. Residents can assist in ensuring projects move quickly and with minimal disruption in the following ways:

Keep the street clear when works are undertaken in the vicinity of your home

Ensure we have safe, clear and unhindered access to the gas meter on your premises

Ensure pets are securely locked up when we are in the vicinity of your home

Following the reinstatement of gardens, lawns and nature strips, watering the grass seed once a day to ensure growth.

Please click on the links below to view maps showing the locations of our current projects:

Our target completion date for the Mains Upgrade program is 2033. For further enquiries, please contact our Service Desk on 1300 887 501 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). Gas faults, leaks or emergencies, should be reported to our call centre on 132 691 (24 hours). Language Assistance (24 hours). For languages other than English on 131 450.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this work being done?

This is part of our commitment to the safety and reliability of your gas supply.

How long will it take to upgrade my supply?

Whilst a project will go on for several months, each property will experience a single supply interruption of up to 8 hours to allow for the installation of the new pipe.

How will I be notified about when these works will commence?

You will receive a letter drop notification at least 10 days prior to the interruption. A further reminder notice will be provided 24-48 hours before interruption to your supply. The second notification will provide you with the date of your interruption.

Do I need to be home?

You do not need to be home during the works, but please ensure we have access to the gas meter and that street parking is minimised. If you are not home when we restore your supply, a “How to safely turn on your gas supply” card will be left in your letter box providing instructions on how to relight your appliances. If you are not comfortable with relighting your appliances, please contact us on 132 691 when you return home and we will send someone to relight your services for you.

Do I need to do anything after the gas service has been upgraded?

If nobody is at home once supply is restored, a “How to Safely Turn on Your Gas Supply” card will be left in your letter box providing instructions on how to relight your appliances. If you are not comfortable with relighting your appliances, please contact us on 132 691 when you return home and we will send someone to relight your services for you.

Will you replace my gas meter at the same time as these works?

No, your current gas meter will be connected to the new pipes.

When and how will reinstatements take place?

Multinet Gas will undertake permanent restoration of any surface that is excavated. Soft surfaces (gardens, lawns and nature strip) are completed by laying topsoil and grass seed 2-4 weeks after conclusion of the gas installation works. Hard surfaces (roads, concrete and paved driveways) will be temporarily reinstated using black bitumen. We will permanently reinstate these surfaces within 8 weeks of the conclusion of the works.